Kenmore Undressed

Veteran’s Day Thoughts about My Father

Today I’d like to reprise my post from this last Memorial Day to say a few words about my father: George Lupori. Below is a discharge letter from Harry Truman that I found in his things:

 

During WWII he served in Europe. He was in England and France. Interestingly, he never spoke about his time in the war. Like so many of the greatest generation, he kept his experiences to himself. I can tell you this: my father was a good and honest man. He was a firm believer that everyone in America deserves a right to succeed, no matter where they come from, no matter what color, no matter how poor.

Another piece of memoribilia that I have from my father’s days in WWII is the letter above. This is one of my most prized possessions because it embodies so many of the ideals that we should all strive for, even in the face of war or other challenges. My favorite section is:

“Start being a leader as soon as you put on your civilian clothes. If you see intolerance and hate, speak out against them. Make your individual voices heard, not for selfish things, but for honor and decency among men, for the rights of all people. Remember, too, that no American can afford to be disinterested in any part of his government, whether it is county, city, state or nation. Choose your leaders wisely–that  is the way to keep ours the country for which you fought. Make sure that those leaders are determined to maintain peace throughout the world. You know what war is. You know that we must not have another. As individuals you can prevent it if you give to the task which lies ahead the same spirit which you displayed in uniform” 

I was mightly impressed by the words of General Marshall. It strikes me as odd how we seem to forget that fighting for a just cause, against a real enemy, should be seen as a battle for all of us. That soldiers give their lives “for the rights of all people.”